Leah Blyth

2022 candidate for City of Unley.
Heritage survey responses.

Do you think that Councils and community members need to have a greater voice in planning and development decisions affecting their local area?
I think that councils and community members are those who are most closely linked and have the greatest understanding of their local area. If we want to preserve our heritage, the environment and plan for what communities need in to the future then councils and community members need to have a greater voice.
What role should Councils play in protecting local heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development?
The Unley area is in particular lucky to have so many beautiful old homes, which for the most part are tastefully preserved and renovated to meet todays living standards. Councils should play a part in facilitating historic renovations and rather then adding layers of red tape and expense, I think councils should be active and even pro-active in assisting with the preservation process. There should be incentives to keep natural trees and green space as well as keeping historic dwellings. Inappropriate development and demolition are usually courses taken because it is easiest and cheapest, perhaps we should look at why that is and implement sound policy solutions.
How would you seek to improve protections for heritage places in your area?
Better community awareness on why heritage is so important and worth preserving. Giving the community a voice - people power makes all the difference, look at the Waite Gatehouse as an example.
We rarely see new places added to local heritage listings. Why do you think this is?
I think people perceive there are more negatives than positives to listing their property. I think that needs to change and I would be a strong advocate for incentivising protecting our heritage properties and natural environment.
How has the Planning and Design Code impacted on the heritage, amenity, and environment of your area? What changes would you seek to the Code?
Unley is less green than it should be. It has less green space than it should, as blocks are developed and homes are extended, unfortunately it is green space that is sacrificed. I would like to see more trees planted and green spaces established. I would like to see renovation incentivised over demolish and re-build. This would be beneficial to preserve our heritage.
What are the impacts of infill development in your area? What changes would you seek in the rules around infill development?
Unley is a densely populated council area and personally I would be an advocate against infill that impacts green space and impacts some of the larger beautiful historic properties in the local area. Multi rise developments utilising commercial space for residential and shopping/eating/entertainment are more in line with where I see infill working in Unley. They should be a long transport corridors to minimise the impact on smaller quiet residential streets.
Construction of new housing typically uses 30% labour and 70% materials. Renovation of existing housing stock typically uses 70% labour and 30% materials. What policy changes would you like to see made to encourage people to renovate, rather than demolish and build anew?
I am very passionate about this - particularly in Unley. I would like to see incentives, perhaps a reduction in rates, or a free development application for those who choose to renovate rather than demolish.
How should the community be informed and involved in decisions about new developments?
I think public consultation in important, it is important information during the development process is readily available and accessible.
Do you think there is adequate tree canopy across your local government area?
I do not believe we have adequate trees in Unley, I would like to see many more.
How would you like to see significant and regulated trees in your area protected from removal?
I believe adequate protections are in place.
What involvement should Councils have in decisions about protecting or removing significant and regulated trees?
I believe council involvement is adequate currently.
What actions would you advocate to slow or mitigate the impacts of climate change in your local government area?
More trees and green spaces. Advocate for more sustainable waste services, diverting more waste from landfill and harnessing innovation to ensure best practice.
How could transport options be improved in your area?
Better cycling and walking paths connecting the community to the City and beyond.
What would your top three priorities be for improving planning policy and outcomes in your local government area?
Cycling and walking paths
Heritage protection
Restaurant, entertainment, shopping boroughs